Shimano Nasci Spinning Reel Review

Hey guys, welcome back to Beach and Fishing and my Shimano Nasci spinning reel review. Now, as you are probably aware, fishing is one of those past times that holds two essential truths:

1. There are a great number of variations of every piece of equipment, tackle and accessory that you could be looking for.
2. Everybody has an opinion on which of these variations is best at any given time – which is generally due to the fact that that particular item has helped them catch fish.

So with that in mind, one thing I have tried to do on this site is review the products I use, as well as the ones that are popular at the moment to give you an idea of what may work for you as you head out to the water and chase the big ones.

Hence, for this review, I will run you through:

• What the product is
• What I bought if for
• Pros and Cons
• Cost
• My recommendations

Check out my: Daiwa Fuego LT Spinning Reel Review

Also known as ‘open face’ reels or ‘eggbeaters’, these reel types wind the line onto a front spool which is held on by a ‘bail’. Line is wound in via a handle on the side which is ratioed to bring the line in faster than the handle is turned. In general, spinning reels are made from a corrosion-resistant metal, carbon fiber and/or aluminum body with variations of the following:

• Bearings – As with a car wheel, the mechanisms inside a spinning fishing reel generally incorporate ball bearings for smoother operation. From my experience, most come with between 3 and if the specifications are listed as 10 + 1 for example, this means that there are 10 ball bearings in the main housing and also a roller bearing incorporated into the bail to make line retrieval easier.
• Rotation – One advantage of a spinning fishing reel is the winding rotation. This is usually set anywhere for 3:1 up to 6 or 7:1 (often listed as 6.0:1 etc.) This simply means that for every time the user turns the handle a full rotation, the spool holding the line has actually turned 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 times meaning less winding for faster line retrieval. Higher ratios are good for fast retrieval fishing such as with a lure or if there are a lot of snags etc. Lower rations assist with the big fish catches.
• Drag – The drag of a fishing reel is its ability to release a little bit of line when a fish strikes or is being pulled in. This is in place to reduce the chances of a bigger fish snapping the line as it fights. As with anything, the more you pay for a reel, the better the drag system should be with the more expensive models containing precision setting capabilities.
• Casing: This is the part of the reel that contains the springs, levers, gear cogs etc. that make much of the stuff above work. I’m my opinion, avoid any reel that doesn’t have this all housed in a sealed, waterproof casing. These are low maintenance and the components will not rust.

I purchased the Shimano Nasci 1000-B model for use in my kayak with a short rod and light line. It is used for both dropping bait to the bottom with a light sinker or casting and retrieving with soft plastic lures. I wanted a smaller size so that I could manage it easily whilst on the kayak plus to be honest, smaller gear is so much fun in the estuary where I fish.

The chose the NASCI range as it is slightly higher quality than the base budget models as to be honest, I wanted something nice and compact that was going to work and cast smoothly on a kayak as well as having the ability to handle slightly larger catches. I have it attached to a Shimano Catano 6ft rod and spooled with 6lb braid with 6lb fluorocarbon leader.

• Model: Shimano Nasci 1000-B (models range from 1000 to 5000)
• Bearings: 4 + 1 Anti rust shielded stainless steel
• Ratio: 5.0:1
• Composition: ‘Coreprotect’ fully sealed graphite and aluminium body with precision machined Hagane Steel internal components and soft EVA handle
• Drag: front of spool – Carbon washer drag up to 7lb/3kg
• Anti-reverse switch: No
• Weight: 7.6 oz (215g)
• Line specs: Mono- 1.5/130, 2/100, 2.5/70

Note: Some specs change for the larger models

• Smooth and strong winding action
• Easy to manage and clean
• Good quality and sensitive drag settings
• Handles heavier catches without displaying any strain
• Well balanced and lightweight

• No reverse switch
• Spool is not braid ready (I.e. needs a mono backing)

I paid $AUD135 however have seen these priced online at anywhere between $USD99 to $USD150 for the ‘D’ models.

The funny thing is that with my first cast of this reel I caught possibly the largest Flathead that I have in a while (below). It was large enough to actually pull the kayak along the water and I really had to play with the drag so as not lose the fish. From that time forward, I have been hooked (pardon the pun ) on this reel. It handled that catch, and many others, with ease and I was able to let the drag ‘sing’ as the fish ran and then retrieve smoothly without any strain on the reel.

It casts so easily (which is what I was looking for on a kayak) is extremely lightweight and feels great when on the water. As to be expected with a smaller reel, it doesn’t hold a lot of line so I would recommend spooling with braid with a mono backing.

However, even though I only purchased the 1000 model, I am so impressed with this one that I will definitely be looking at some larger sized models in the future.

So there you have it, my honest review and appraisal of the Shimano Nasci spinning reel. I hope it has been of assistance but as usual, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out by commenting below.

Are there any other products you have been looking at but want to know more about? If so, please comment below and I will do my best to get some details for you.

Until next time

Have fun

Paul